The storm is raging all around, yet here you are, kneeling before the one in white. Face on the stone floor, freezing rain beating into your back and soaking you till you can’t stop shaking.

But He sees you and He is there.

Your tears are rolling down your cheek so He gently cups your face with His strong hands and wipes them away.

Your eyes are closed but the moment He whispers, “Beloved…” instinctively you look up to the one who calls you friend.

In the instant your eyes meet, the storm around you ceases and heat from the emerging sun warms your face.

His eyes gaze lovingly into yours and He can’t look away because you are beautiful, wonderfully and fearfully made… you are His.

He begins to speak of The Promises, His presence that prepares the way for your steps, His angels that stand guard protecting you, and of your helper, the Holy Spirit who gives you power, love, and a sound mind.

His words are like air, filling you with hope.

He smiles and you laugh because you are not alone.

But then your face become solemn and you stand, remembering your mistakes, your sins. You remember when you pushed Him away and told Him to leave you alone. You remember when He called to you and you turned your back to make your own path. You remember your choices, of the life you lived, and you look away, ashamed of who you’d become, unworthy in the presence of Love.

You take some steps back, and He asks you to wait. He pulls something out of His pocket and offers it to you. Cautiously you take it, and as you look at His gift, you see that you hold Truth and Grace in your hands. He isn’t angry. He has already forgiven you. You look up and His arms are stretched wide, waiting for you to come back to Him. Filled with freedom, you wrap your arms around Him and He holds you.

He begins to sing a song created out of love for you within this moment. The melody wraps around you and you feel Rest, Patience, and Joy wander into your soul.

He lifts you up and carries you beyond the rocks, to a narrow road, where a new journey will begin. Though the unknown is dawning, you are not afraid for you know who is with you.

It’s been a long day, you feel its weight, so you breathe and let go, surrendering what you cannot carry to your Savior.

Your eyelids begin to close, your breathing slows, and you put your ear to His chest as you drift to sleep.

You hear His heartbeat and it is so pure it speaks, it sings, it dances inside Him. Yet, it says only one thing: I love her…I love her…I love her…

With every heartbeat, with every step, love washes over you.

You are free.

Till the next chapter,
Katya